Ultimate Foaling Kit Checklist: Be Prepared for Every Situation

📌 Essential Supplies for Every Foaling Kit

A well-stocked foaling kit is essential for ensuring the health and safety of both the mare and foal while also being ready for emergencies like dystocia (foaling complications).. Having the right supplies on hand can mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a critical emergency. Below is a comprehensive checklist designed to help mare owners and foaling attendants prepare for routine foaling management and emergency situations.

📝 Tip: Store your foaling kit in a clean, waterproof container and keep it easily accessible in the foaling stall or barn.

🛠️ General Equipment & Monitoring

✔ Fast-Reading Thermometer – Monitor temperature for both mare and foal.
✔ Stethoscope – Check foal’s heart rate and respiration.
✔ Scissors (Stainless Steel Mayo Scissors) – Used for cutting umbilical tape, tail wraps, or opening a placenta in a red bag delivery.
✔ Flashlight & Extra Batteries – Most mares foal at night, so a good hands-free headlamp is also helpful.
✔ Predict-A-Foal™ or FoalWatch™ Test Kits – Calcium/milk tests to help predict foaling.
✔ Tail Wrap (Vetrap™ or Equivalent) – Keeps the mare’s tail out of the way during delivery.

🩺 Veterinary & Emergency Supplies (Including Dystocia Assistance)

✔ Obstetrical Sleeves (Sterile) – For checking foal positioning if needed (for experienced handlers or veterinarians only).
✔ Obstetrical Lubricant (Sterile, Tube) – Essential for manually assisting delivery when necessary.
✔ Exam Gloves (Non-Latex, Disposable) – For hygiene during foaling assistance.
✔ Mild Liquid Soap (Ivory® or Similar) – Used to wash the mare’s udder and perineum before foaling.
✔ Iodine or 1% Chlorhexidine Solution – To disinfect the foal’s umbilical stump immediately after birth.
✔ Umbilical Tape or Clamps – For tying off or clamping the umbilical cord (if needed).
✔ Clean, Dry Towels – For drying and stimulating the foal.
✔ Enema (Phosphate-Type, Fleet™) – Administered to the foal within 1-2 hours to help prevent meconium impaction.
✔ Colostrum/Brix Refractometer – Measures colostrum quality to determine if supplementation is needed.
✔ Foal IgG Test (SNAP Test or ARS IgG Test) – Determines if the foal received adequate passive immunity from colostrum.

🚨 Dystocia (Foaling Emergency) Assistance

✔ Foaling Straps or Chains (Sterilized, with Handles) – Used for gentle traction in difficult deliveries (only for use under veterinary guidance).
✔ Calving/Obstetrical Hooks (Small-Scale for Foaling) – Helpful in certain malpresentations, but should only be used by experienced handlers or veterinarians.
✔ Lubricated OB Sleeve for Assisted Delivery – For repositioning or gentle traction assistance in dystocia cases.
✔ Veterinarian’s Contact Number – Easily accessible in case of emergency.

🥛 Colostrum & Feeding Backup Supplies

✔ Colostrum Replacer (Frozen or Commercial) – If the mare has poor-quality milk or does not produce enough.
✔ Measuring Cup (600 ml, 20 oz) – For collecting colostrum from the mare.
✔ Plastic Storage Bottle (Pre-Labeled) – For freezing excess colostrum.
✔ Cotton Gauze Pads or Cheesecloth – To strain colostrum before feeding.
✔ Foal Bottle & Nipples – For feeding colostrum or milk replacer if needed.
✔ 60 ml Catheter-Tip Syringe – Used to administer oral medications or milk under veterinary supervision.

🚨 Emergency Resuscitation & Oxygen Support (Vet-Assisted Use)

✔ Foalert System – Birth monitoring alert device.
✔ Oxygen Tank (Size E Tank) & Regulator – For foals struggling to breathe (veterinarian required).
✔ Oxygen Line & Nasal Insufflation Catheter – Used to deliver oxygen to a foal in distress.
✔ Foal Resuscitation Unit – A portable ventilation system for emergency foal resuscitation.

🛏️ Post-Foaling Cleanup & Record Keeping

✔ Clean, Deep Straw Bedding – Safer for the foal than wood shavings.
✔ Large Plastic Bag or Bucket – For placenta examination (check for completeness).
✔ Trash Bags or Biohazard Bags – For disposal of soiled towels and supplies.
✔ Foaling Record Sheet – Track time of birth, nursing, meconium passing, and vet checks.
✔ Veterinarian Contact Info – Have emergency numbers easily accessible.

Want even more resources like this one? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle